North Carolina officials working to dispel Helene rumors as misinformation spreads [Video]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – North Carolina Emergency Management is working to dispel rumors as false information about Helene response efforts continues to spread on social media.

Helene pounded the state as a tropical storm on September 27, leaving behind a path of destruction and killing at least 115 people.

The North Carolina State Emergency Response Team established a “fact versus rumor” website to help make sure people are getting reliable and true information.

“The need for reliable, factual information is crucial to aiding in the ongoing lifesaving and humanitarian efforts in Western NC,” North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray emphasized. “I encourage all North Carolinians to seek information from trusted sources and to verify information that you see online, verify where it is coming from and avoid sharing unproven information.”

Here are three things you can do to avoid spreading rumors, according to state emergency management:

1. Find trusted sources of information.
2. Share information from trusted sources.
3. Discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources, and question where …